Fast Forward Language Institute

Provide quality Portuguese language programs in a professional and friendly environment to create an effective and enjoyable learning experience for all our students. Since 1991, Fast Forward has been devoted to providing high quality and personalized instruction in Portuguese for foreigners. All of our teachers are professional and experienced native instructors, university graduated and trained in Fast Forward\'s direct approach to language teaching. The English language enjoys a lively and varied lexicon throughout the world today. Fast Forward is unique in its intimate approach to acquiring language through total cultural immersion. We believe it imperative to mix our institute´s academic setting with that of each individual city reality. Fast Forward currently offers language institutions in Porto, Portugal, São Paulo, Brazil and Maceió, Brazil . Each of these cities offers a unique experience in the modern life of the Portuguese language and the peoples who natively speak it. Language lessons at Fast Forward focus on communication; beyond grammar books and written exercises, our professors include a variety of oral and listening elements with up-to-date technology to stimulate a comprehensive concept of the Portuguese language. Students are encouraged to interact with their classmates, their professors and the entire staff here at Fast Forward. Our professors also dedicate their creativity and time to the organization of various activities during the students´ free hours, and weekend days. We work hard to create an intimate atmosphere both during and after class time that welcomes, inspires, challenges and responds to each individual student. Since our Brazilian beginnings, we have taught many students and executives from all over the world. Judging by what they tell us and the exam results they achieve, our students find studying with a us a truly satisfying experience.

Maceió, the capital of the state of Alagoas in the northeast of Brazil, is a safe, relaxed and modern city with the most beautiful beaches in South America. Besides Praia da Pajuçara, its main attraction, with jangadas (small sailboats) that take visitors to the \"piscinas naturais\" (natural swimming pools) formed by the coral reefs and sandbanks which emerge at low tide, Maceió\'s ocean and lagoons dominate the landscape, welcoming tourists from all over the world. The climate is a typical tropical climate with an average temperature of 25° Celsius and 2 seasons: summer and rainy summer. Despite its condition as a beach city, Maceió also has a wide range of cultural and environmental places of interest to visit. Culturally speaking, places like Penedo and Marechal Deodoro (historic colonial cities),with their unique architecture and museums, are the favorite destinations. For outdooring fun, Pontal do Peba (shrimp fishing area), Murici (Atlantic forest) and Barra de S. Antonio (Sea Cow reserve) are the favorites. Maceió, also offers a wide range of annual events. The most famous are the street parties such as Maceió Fest (an out-of-season carnival in November) and, of course, the traditional Carnival in February. The school is located in the Ponta Verde district, a modern residential area, just 4 blocks away from the beach, close to restaurants, gyms, etc.

Group Instruction: Maximum of five students per class. Classes begin on any Monday for intermediate students (once a month for beginners), and are held Monday through Friday. Private Instruction: Offered for both beginners, advanced, and professionals with specific needs. Classes may start any Monday, and are held Monday through Friday. Fast Forward offers group and private general language instruction, from absolute beginner to advanced levels. Portuguese Language exam preparatory courses are also available. Cultural programs are optional and available throughout the year. Upon arrival, students take a placement test to determine their level, and also decide which cultural programs they would like to participate in.

Host families are the most frequently chosen housing option. Fast Forward ensures that each family offers a quality living situation and respects each students´ wishes as much as possible in the family selection. The host families themselves are experienced and enthusiastic participants in the student´s life. Considering immersion into life, language, etc., living with a host family is by far the most intense. It truly is an experience not to be passed up. Options for those who prefer more independent living include: Pousadas – These are lower cost hotels. They are fully furnished, and almost like apartments. Apartment – This is a more costly option, yet also offers a bit more luxury. Hotels – each city offers a wide array of hotels in terms of price, location and style. General info: Accommodation is reserved from 12 noon on the Sunday prior to the start of the course until the Saturday following the last day of the course. All options are an average of 10 to 20 minutes away from the school. The schools can be easily reached by public transport. Breakfast or halfboard is included (evening meal 6 to 8 p.m.). Each student is issued with a front door key. There is weekly cleaning of your room; bed linen is changed every 2 weeks; bed linen is provided, please bring your own towels.

We believe that a language program must be complemented with a wide range of social and cultural activities not only to allow students to use and practice the portuguese language but also to maximize student\'s exposure to Brazilian culture. Our school has an active and exciting social program. Included are visits to theatres, concerts, restaurants, beaches as well as other events such as national festivals, sporting events and dance clubs.